Experimentally Induced Hyperglycemia in Prepubertal Phase Impairs Oocyte Quality and Functionality in Adult Mice

Reproductive abnormalities in women with a history of childhood diabetes are believed to be partially attributed to hyperglycemia. Prolonged hyperglycemia can negatively affect ovarian function and fertility during reproductive life. To address this in an experimental setting, the present study used streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic prepubertal mouse model. The impact of prolonged hyperglycemic exposure during prepubertal life on ovarian function, oocyte quality, and functional competence was assessed in adult mice. The ovarian reserve was not significantly altered; however, the in vitro maturation potential (P<0.001), mitochondrial integrity (P<0.01), and meiotic spindle assembly (P<0.05-0.001) in oocytes were significantly affected in hyperglycemic animals in comparison to control groups. The results from the study suggest that prepubertal hyperglycemia can have adverse effects on the oocyte functional competence and spindle integrity during the reproductive phase of life. Because these changes can have a significant impact on the genetic integrity and developmental potential of the embryos and fetus, the observation warrants further research both in experimental and clinical settings.